2021-2026 Audi Vehicles Steering Wheel Vibrations TSB

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074846/4 from Audi provides detailed information regarding vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations that owners of various Audi vehicles, from model years 2021 to 2026, may experience. The bulletin, identified as TSB 44, was last revised on January 13, 2026. It aims to guide technicians through the diagnosis and repair of these specific vibration concerns, ensuring a smoother driving experience for Audi owners.

Symptoms of Audi Steering Wheel Vibrations

Owners of affected Audi vehicles, including the 2021 Audi e-tron, may report experiencing noticeable vibrations at speeds typically ranging from 35 to 70 mph (60 – 150 km/h). These vibrations are not always consistent; they might be felt more strongly during acceleration or braking, or they could appear only during specific driving conditions. The sensation of these vibrations can manifest in several areas, including the seat surface, the vehicle floor, the footwell, the pedal cluster, and most notably, the steering wheel itself, leading to what is commonly described as Audi steering wheel vibrations. This issue can detract from driving comfort and confidence.

Technical Background and Diagnosis

The root cause of these vibrations is frequently linked to a phenomenon known as radial force variation in tires. Due to manufacturing processes and material characteristics, tires possess areas of varying stiffness and flexibility around their circumference. As a tire rotates, this variation in stiffness causes fluctuations in the compression force it exerts on the road surface, which is termed radial force variation. To accurately diagnose this, technicians use specialized equipment like the vibration control system VAS6230(A). This system simulates the tire rolling on the road surface and measures the radial force variation.

For proper tire performance and to prevent Audi steering wheel vibrations, the peak-to-peak value of the radial force variation should not exceed 120N. Furthermore, the first harmonic vibration, which is the most significant component of radial force variation and a major contributor to noticeable vibrations, must be 80N or less. Exceeding these limits indicates a tire imbalance or irregularity that needs correction.

Another factor that can influence vibration measurements and perceived ride quality is the presence of flat spots on tires. These temporary flat spots can develop even after a short period of a warm tire being stationary and cooling down. While flat spots can falsify radial force variation measurements, they are considered normal and are not covered under warranty. It is very important to drive the vehicle sufficiently to "drive out" these flat spots before performing any wheel balancing or diagnostic procedures to ensure accurate readings.

Important Warnings for Owners

• Flat spots are normal and not faults covered under warranty. It is very important to drive them out prior to every wheel balancing procedure to ensure accurate diagnostic results.
• If the first harmonic vibration of the radial force cannot be brought to the specified limit of 80N by matching, a new tire must be used. This indicates that the tire itself is fundamentally flawed and cannot be corrected through balancing or matching.
• If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, meaning that any diagnostic or repair costs associated with these Audi steering wheel vibrations may not be covered by Audi.
• Only repairs on components which were part of the vehicle when it was delivered can be claimed under warranty. This ensures that only original equipment parts are eligible for warranty coverage.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Audi steering wheel vibrations involves a precise, multi-step process for technicians as detailed in TSB 2074846/4:

1. Initial Test Drive: The technician will perform a test drive of up to 20 miles, covering various speed ranges (up to 65 mph). This step is crucial for warming up the tires and confirming the customer's vibration complaint under real-world driving conditions.
2. Vehicle Preparation: Immediately after the test drive, the vehicle is raised to ensure the wheels are off the ground, preventing the tires from cooling down and forming new flat spots.
3. Wheel Removal and Mounting: The wheels are then carefully removed from the vehicle and mounted onto a specialized vibration control system, specifically the VAS6230(A). This system is designed to accurately measure tire characteristics.
4. Measurement, Balancing, and Matching: Using the VAS6230(A) and following its instructions, the technician will measure the wheel and tire assembly. This includes assessing radial force variation. Based on these measurements, the wheels will be balanced, and if necessary, matched to the tires to minimize any remaining radial force variation. The goal is to achieve radial force variation values within the specified limits (120N peak-to-peak, 80N first harmonic).
5. Wheel Installation: Once corrected, the wheels are fitted back onto the vehicle. This step requires careful attention to detail, ensuring that the flange and wheel contact surfaces are clean, the wheel is correctly centered, and a suitable taper and tensioning device (such as a five-finger tensioning device) is used for proper tightening.
6. Tire Pressure Adjustment: The tire pressure for all wheels is restored to the manufacturer's recommended specifications, which is vital for optimal ride quality and safety.
7. Final Assessment: A final assessment of the vehicle is conducted in the speed range where the Audi steering wheel vibrations were initially reported. This confirms that the repair has been successful and the vibrations have been eliminated or significantly reduced.

Required Tools

To accurately diagnose and repair the Audi steering wheel vibrations as per TSB 2074846/4, specific specialized tools are mandated for use by technicians:

• VAS 6230 (GSP9700): This is a sophisticated Road Force Measurement System. It is essential for precisely measuring the radial force variation and other characteristics of the tire and wheel assembly, which are critical for effective balancing and matching.
• VAS 6243: This tool is a Clamping Plate, which is used in conjunction with the VAS 6230 system to securely mount the wheel during the measurement and balancing process, ensuring stability and accuracy.

Warranty Information

For repairs addressing Audi steering wheel vibrations that are performed under warranty, specific administrative details and codes must be accurately recorded. The Service Number designated for this particular technical service bulletin is 4440, and the corresponding Damage Code is 0013.

The bulletin outlines several Labor Operations, each with a unique code, depending on the scope of the work performed:

• 1 wheel balanced: Labor Operation 4405 9300
• 1 wheel matched: Labor Operation 4405 9351
• 2/3/4 wheels balanced: Labor Operation 4405 940x
• 2/3/4 wheels matched: Labor Operation 4405 945x
• GFF (Guided Fault Finding): No allowance
• Road test prior to service procedure: Labor Operation 0121 0002, allocated 10 Time Units (TU)
• Road test after service procedure: Labor Operation 0121 0004, also allocated 10 Time Units (TU)

All warranty claims must strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. It is mandatory for technicians to include the TSB number 2074846/4 in the claim comments. Furthermore, the logs generated by the VAS6230 system and any associated information sheets must be clearly marked with the vehicle's VIN and attached to the warranty claim for verification purposes.

Source: NHTSA ID 11028405